As I entered our neighborhood last week, my mind was occupied with complicated issues, but the sight before me filled me with joy. The late afternoon sun highlighted multiple shades of green—the trees above and the shrubs and grass below. Interspersed in the verdant hues were bright pops of white and purple.
It’s easy to become mired in circumstances that rob us of peace, but nature provides opportunities to relax and recharge.
Following are thoughts on the peace inspired by nature:
Tranquility
For me, nothing inspires peace as quickly as time spent beside a body of water. Water is life-giving and life-sustaining. Still water calms. The rhythmic crashing of waves soothes.
Often, like a dehydrated athlete, we are parched mentally, emotionally, and spiritually without realizing it. Time spent near water provides peace and renewal.
Others find tranquility in the hazy blue of a distant mountain range, snow-capped peaks, or the setting sun across a desert expanse. Find the vistas in nature that provide peace for you and drink them in.
Beauty
A friend has a beautiful garden. She often shares pictures on social media of vases filled with the bounty of her garden. The breathtaking colors and intricate details of the flowers are stunning. Her floral creations bring joy and delight to all who view them.
God, the Master Creator, could have provided a drab, one-dimensional environment for us to inhabit. Instead, our world is filled with color, uniqueness, and variety. Consider the plumage and color of the peacock, or the ability of the chameleon to change colors to blend with his surroundings. Remember the glory of reds, golds, yellows, and greens in an autumn landscape. Enjoy the multitude of stars in an expanse of blue-black sky. Bask in colorful sunrises and sunsets. All are designed for our pleasure and instill peace.
Hope
We all need an infusion of hope to sustain forward motion when life challenges overwhelm. The constant, predictable rejuvenation found in nature reminds us seasons change, and life goes on. A harsh winter is followed by a glorious spring. In the same way a dead-looking stick suddenly produces tiny green shoots, our stagnant-feeling souls renew. Refreshment, hope, and peace come with time spent in nature.
“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” Psalm 19: 1 NLT
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.” Psalm 23:1-3a NLT
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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